Exploring the role and impact of professional sports clubs in local population health promotion

Abstract

Physical inactivity is recognised as a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases, leading to the development of regional, national and international physical activity (PA) strategies and policies. Community-based organisations are suggested to be important for the implementation of such efforts to promote PA. However, despite evidence highlighting the acceptability and effectiveness of PA, and wider health, promotion projects delivered by professional sports clubs and organisations (PSCOs), their position within local health promotion (HP) efforts remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this PhD was to explore the role of PSCOs in local intersectoral approaches to HP. A mixed-methods approach was undertaken within this thesis, consisting of: (i) a practice-based targeted review of PSCOs’ HP provision and evaluation practices, (ii) a qualitative case study of a PSCOs’ HP project, (iii) a social network analysis of PSCOs position within local HP approaches, (iv) and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders. Study 1 identified a wide range of HP projects delivered by PSCOs throughout the U.K. across six sports, however, project aims were often vague, and evaluations relied upon anecdotal data. Study 2 highlights the unique assets PSCOs’ have available to integrate into HP projects, whilst also demonstrating the importance of intersectoral partnerships and the key challenges of project delivery and evaluation. Studies 3a and 3b show that stakeholders perceive PSCOs to play a vital role in local intersectoral approaches to HP, however, their connectivity and integration in such approaches appears to be low. The findings of this PhD suggest that PSCOs could play a crucial role in local intersectoral approaches to HP. However, their HP provision is somewhat siloed, and therefore underutilised. To enable PSCOs to more effectively contribute to local and national health agendas, recommendations for improved evaluation of projects, increased understanding of PSCOs governance, funding structures, and motivators are proposed.

Date of Award	20 Jan 2026
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bristol
Sponsors	Bristol Sport Foundation
Supervisor	Nick P Townsend (Supervisor), Joey Murphy (Supervisor) & Charlie E M Foster (Supervisor)